Geotechnical Hazards Coursework

Component B

Landslides are a significant geotechnical hazard in UK. To further your understanding of this type of geotechnical hazard, you are to undertake an investigation of Mynydd yr Eglwys (Grid References SS 977 956), a historic landslide located in the Rhondda Valley as Taylor Wimpey would like to build an additional row of houses behind Meadow Walk, CF41 7QN. The primary purpose of your investigation is to describe the preparatory causal and possible triggering factors that contributed to the landslide in 1998 and to assess how this landslide can be remediated to allow for this development to go ahead. You are to carry out your assessment based on:

1. A desk-study;

2. A description of the history of landslides at Mynydd yr Eglwys using visual aids as appropriate, e.g. aerial photographs and your own photographs (if appropriate). You need to summarise the mode of failure(s).

3. Discuss significant causal factors responsible for the landsliding activity.

4. Support your assessment using online data from the BGS (British Geological Survey)

5. Give recommendation whether you recommend Taylor Wimpey should build an additional row of houses or not.

6. Discuss future action: The role of monitoring – why is it important to undertake activities like photogrammetry, borehole checks, measurement of fissure apertures?

You have 1500 words with no 10% leeway, if you go above the word limit marks will be deducted. Executive summary, figures, tables and references are outside the word count. You must use Arail or Calibri font at a sensible size (10-12).

Component A

You will carry out a viva voce – an oral presentation, in which you will present the findings of your report and defend the arguments you put forward. You will make a short presentation (no more than 5 slides) and then will be asked a series of questions.

The 5 slides must include the title slide and references. Ensure the slides have good clear, referenced images.